FOOTBALL: Confusion at county FA

ATTEMPTS by the Gazette & Herald to clarify the position of Wiltshire FA county secretary Mike Benson were met with silence this week after it was revealed the 78-year-old was away from his post.

Benson insisted he had been on “self-imposed suspended leave” citing job pressures, but clarification of his role and who is attending to the FA’s day-to-day business is still shrouded in mystery.

The Gazette & Herald contacted county officials, including chairman Richard Gardiner and president Terry Gregory, but none were available or would comment, while the national FA insisted it was a “matter for the county association.’’

Benson said: “I have been on suspended leave imposed by myself. I spoke to my chairman and he advised me to take some time off. It is a pressurised job and it takes it out of you.

“I have been stressed with the job for years now and my doctor also advised me to take time off. I am hoping to be back soon.”

Officials of county leagues have also been unable to establish when and if Benson is likely to return.